Divine Light Mission / Elan Vital

News Summaries from ICSA Periodicals

Divine Light Mission (Elan Vital) Former Follower Crashes Convention with Petition of Protest Neville Ackland, a former follower of Mahariji, failed in his attempt to use a rented truck to crash a convention near Brisbane of some 4000 devotees — from 61 countries — of the Indian guru’s Elan Vital organization [formerly the Divine Light Mission]. He carried a petition signed by hundreds of ex-followers who claim that they were duped by what they call the “cult.” The ex-followers believe, said Ackland, that Mahariji “is nothing more than a fraud and fat cat who is living in the lap of luxury at the expense of his followers.” [csr 1.3 2002]

Ackland, who claims that as an impressionable young man he gave over $500,000 in property to Mahariji 25-years ago, said of the guru’s teachings: “It’s all about surrender. Unfortunately, that includes surrendering your money.” (Tony Keim, Courier Mail, Internet, 9/4/02) [csr 1.3 2002]